4/6 “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”
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Tithing
Tithing
“As we prepare our hearts to give today, I want you to hear once more the words of Paul quoting Jesus Himself in Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. He stepped into the tomb of death and called Lazarus forth.
Our giving is a spiritual echo of that same life‑giving power.
• When we give, we “help the weak”—not just financially, but we bring hope, we bring dignity, we invite others out of their tombs of fear and need.
• Jesus modeled ultimate generosity—laying down His life—so that we might truly live.
Reflect:
Reflect:
Which “tombs” around you need a touch of resurrection—family members in crisis, neighbors facing hardship, ministries caring for the vulnerable?
How can your sacrifice today be an act of faith that says, “Jesus, we believe You bring life even here”?
As you give, remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Your offering is more than dollars – it’s a participation in God’s resurrection mission, releasing life to those who need it.
Let’s pray over our offerings.”
Let´s pray to start
Let´s pray to start
John 11:17-26
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Sermon 4: “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”
Sermon 4: “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”
Introduction
Introduction
Easter is the beating heart of the Christian faith.
More than just bunnies and chocolate eggs, on this date we celebrate the greatest miracle in history: Jesus Christ conquered death!
And the words of Jesus in John 11:25-26 echo today with the same force as they echoed in Bethany, before the tomb of Lazarus:
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live; and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die."
In this text, Jesus not only promises eternal life, He reveals who He is.
The resurrection is not just an event, it is a person!
And on this Easter morning, I want to reflect with you on how this truth transforms our view of death, life, and eternity.
Have you ever been in a moment when everything felt dead—dreams postponed, relationships fractured, hope drained?
Maybe you’ve watched a loved one slip away, or you’ve felt your own spirit grow cold under the weight of life’s disappointments.
Today Jesus speaks directly into that pain and declares: “Even though you face death, I offer you life.” Not just more life, but better life—eternal, abundant, unshakeable.
Let’s explore three facets of this promise together.
Main Point 1: Jesus Offers Eternal Life
Main Point 1: Jesus Offers Eternal Life
John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;
Eternal Life Defined
Eternal Life Defined
It isn’t a far‑off promise for someday; it begins the moment we place our faith in Christ.
Quality over quantity: As Craig Groeschel reminds us, “Eternal life is not just about the quantity of life; it’s about the quality of life.”
Lazarus as a Snapshot
Lazarus as a Snapshot
Lazarus lay dead, four days in the tomb—hopeless. But Jesus spoke, and life returned.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Application for us:
No situation is beyond His touch.
Financial ruin, broken family ties, mental health struggles—He breathes life into our tombs.
Living with Resurrection Power Daily
Living with Resurrection Power Daily
Resurrection power doesn’t just raise us from physical death; it revives our dreams, passions, and purpose.
John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life…”
• Eternal life isn’t just future hope—it’s a present reality.
• Eternal life isn’t just future hope—it’s a present reality.
• Quality of life renewed by Christ’s life‑giving power.
• Quality of life renewed by Christ’s life‑giving power.
Reflect Questions:
Reflect Questions:
What “dead” areas in your life (dreams, relationships, passions) need Jesus’ life‑giving touch today?
How would your daily choices change if you really believed eternal life begins the moment you trust Christ?
Main Point 2: Jesus Conquers Death
Main Point 2: Jesus Conquers Death
1 Corinthians 15:55 - “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
Defeating the Final Enemy
Defeating the Final Enemy
Death once loomed as the ultimate threat. But through Jesus’s resurrection, its power is broken.
Victory Scene: Picture a battlefield where the enemy’s flags lie trampled—our Champion has triumphed.
Revelation 1:18“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Isaiah 25:8 - “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces.”
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
Living in Victorious Boldness
Living in Victorious Boldness
Because Jesus lives, we live in freedom from fear.
Steven Furtick’s reminder: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Because Jesus lives, we too shall live.”
Overcoming Daily “Deaths”
Overcoming Daily “Deaths”
We all face “micro‑deaths”—failures, rejections, moments of despair.
Promise:
Each time we lean into the risen Christ, He brings us through. Those “deaths” become stepping stones to deeper growth.
1 Corinthians 15:55 – “O death, where is your victory?…”
• Through His resurrection, Jesus defeats the power of death—ultimate and everyday “deaths.”
• Through His resurrection, Jesus defeats the power of death—ultimate and everyday “deaths.”
• We live in freedom and victory, no longer enslaved by fear.
• We live in freedom and victory, no longer enslaved by fear.
Reflect Questions:
Reflect Questions:
What fears or “deaths” (failure, rejection, anxiety) are keeping you from living boldly in Christ’s victory?
In what situation will you choose today to trust Jesus to conquer that fear and bring you through?
Main Point 3: Jesus Calls Us to Believe in Him
Main Point 3: Jesus Calls Us to Believe in Him
John 11:26 “And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
The Invitation of Faith
The Invitation of Faith
Belief isn’t mere mental assent; it’s entrusting our whole lives—our past failures, present struggles, and future hopes—to Jesus.
Key Analogy: Just as a key unlocks a treasure chest, faith unlocks the riches of eternal life.
Evidence of True Belief
Evidence of True Belief
Transformed behavior:
love replaces resentment, generosity supplants greed, peace overcomes anxiety.
Discussion:
Ask yourself, “What changed in my life when I first believed?”
Growing in Belief
Growing in Belief
Faith deepens through prayer, Scripture, and community.
Practical step: Commit to a weekly rhythm—Bible reading, prayer, and sharing stories with a friend.
John 6:47 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.”
Romans 10:9–10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works.”
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Mark 9:23 “Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.’”
John 11:26 – “And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
• Faith unlocks the treasure of eternal life—trusting in Someone, not just something.
• Faith unlocks the treasure of eternal life—trusting in Someone, not just something.
• Belief is shown by a life transformed from the inside out.
• Belief is shown by a life transformed from the inside out.
Reflect Questions:
Reflect Questions:
Have you truly placed your full trust in Jesus, or are you holding back some area of your life?
What specific step of faith (prayer, confession, surrender) is Jesus inviting you to take this week to deepen your belief?
Conclusion
Conclusion
Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
• He offers eternal life—beginning now, impacting every part of our being.
• He conquers death—both the ultimate end and the smaller “deaths” we face daily.
• He calls us to believe—inviting us into a transformative relationship that reshapes our world from the inside out.
Appeal & Prayer
Appeal & Prayer
If you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus, or if you need to renew your trust in Him today, I invite you to bow your heads and pray with me:
If you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus, or if you need to renew your trust in Him today, I invite you to bow your heads and pray with me:
Dear Lord, Thank You for being the resurrection and the life.
I admit my need for You. I believe You conquered death and offer me eternal life.
Today, I choose to put my faith in You. Fill me with Your resurrection power, strengthen my belief, and help me live in the hope of eternity.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, I encourage you to reach out to one of our pastors or volunteers after the service.
We’d love to celebrate and help you take next steps in your faith journey.
Practical Applications
Practical Applications
Reflect: Set aside 10 minutes this week for quiet prayer. Thank God for the gift of eternal life and ask Him to grow your faith.
Share: Identify one friend or family member facing discouragement. Share this promise: “Jesus is the resurrection and the life,” and pray with them.
Act: Volunteer at a local hospice, hospital, or support ministry. Be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope to those at life’s edge.
